Providence International

We'll play favorites so you don't have to.

Street art commissioned for the Providence International Arts Festival. From left: a Mary Beth Meehan portrait; a rendering of Dean Avenue, a popup skate and art park; a Tape Art catfish; an Avenue Concept mural.

FirstWorks

Paraphrasing the great Lewis Carroll, you would have to be half-mad to dream this up.

This Saturday, June 13, our fair city will morph into a surreal artistic Wonderland, and you're Alice. We're all Alice. The best part? FirstWorks' Providence International Arts Festival is free and open to everyone, and you don't want to miss it. There will be a ruinous rock show, a Superman-worthy harp and a huge pneumatic lady that puts all to shame.

Here are the top events to make the most of your PVDFest experience:

TUNES IN RUINS: One Providence Experience, Presented by the Columbus Cooperative and the Imaginary Company

When: 6 p.m.-1 a.m.
Where: The ruins of the Providence National Bank, 35 Weybosset St.
Why: The ever-soulful Lee Fields and the Expressions will be joined by several local artists (the Low Anthem, Gym Shorts, Ravi Shavi and others) for performances by .

PURE MUSICAL MAGIC: The Earth Harp

When: 6:30, 8:30, 10:30 p.m.
Where: Earth Harp Stage at Kennedy Plaza
Why: This gigantic instrument, developed by William Close, is reportedly the largest in the world. Its strings will be hooked up to Providence's stunning Superman Building, making for a truly unique musical experience.

ARTSY INFLATABLES: Squonk Opera

When: 4, 8, 9:30 p.m.
Where: Squonk Opera Stage at Kennedy Plaza
Why: The forty-foot high Lady Pneumatica reigns above a live band and wriggling inflated appendages. It sounds weird, and it is.

When: 5:30 p.m.
Where: City Hall steps, 25 Dorrance St.
Why: The festival boasts pockets of fabulous international music throughout the night, but this one is most special. Musical groups from all over the Ocean State, from Native American singers to church choirs, join their voices in harmony for the world premiere of One Voice.

For the full list of attractions, includingan extended schedule with events starting on June 11, visit .

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